Known for their brutal raids, seamanship, craftsmanship and religion, the Vikings also had a unique style of home decoration that reflected their beliefs. It was also intimately tied to function and artistry and symbolism of the Viking way of life, though it was never solely about Viking home decor.
Unpacking the Viking Aesthetic: Decor Essentials
Viking homes prioritized functionality, but they also didn’t shy away from surrounding themselves with beauty and meaning. Their decor derived so much from nature and a way of life that it created a unique aesthetic that is rustic and timeless.
Natural Materials
The Viking world revolved around kin, work, and nature, and so did their homes. Viking home decor was primarily composed of these materials:
- Wood: Used in the construction of houses and furniture, and decorative carvings. Oak and ash were of especial use because of their robustness.
- Stone: For hearths, walls and sometimes for decorative accents.
- Leather and Fur: These materials were also used for warmth, as well as decor, with hides often thrown over furniture or used as rugs.
- Bone and Antler: Sometimes worked into elaborate designs to produce tools, ornaments, or household item handles.
Earthy Color Palette
The Vikings drew inspiration from their environment, bringing an earthy, nature-inspired color palette into their homes. Browns, greens, muted reds and blues were the norm, which created warm, grounded vibes.
Artistic Design That Is Functional
While Viking decor eschewed the purely aesthetic, they did apply an artistic flourish to everyday items. Their homes were a testament to their craftsmanship, from richly carved furniture to decorative metalwork.
Textiles in Viking Homes
Textiles were more than just decoration at a Viking home, they were essential! 119: There’s Much More than Meets the Eye: How Vikings Used Textiles to Decorate Their Homes.
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Weaving and Embroidery
The Vikings were also adept weavers, producing textiles from both wool and flax. From these materials, clothing and wall hangings were made. Personal touches were added with embroidery, often portraying scenes from Norse mythology or everyday life.
- Linen & Wool – These were the primary textiles, wool providing insulation in winter.
- Geometric prints: printed aspect like stripes or grids that might be added to the fabric, and that is simple however engaging enough.
Cushions and Throws for the Decorative Look
The Vikings used soft textiles to make cushions and throws to create more comfortable homes. Not only did these keep them warm, but they filled their rooms with a layer of coziness and personality.
Wall Hangings
Wall hangings were common in the homes of Vikings. Tapestries had a twofold function: insulating the drafty walls and providing visual interest in the interiors. Common themes included:
- Norse myths, like the stories of Odin or Thor.
- Representations of animals (wolves, ravens, serpents, etc.)
- Everyday Viking life, from farming to trading.
Intricate Carvings The Mark of Viking Design
Intricate carvings are just one of the hallmarks of Viking home decor. In addition to being decorative, these carvings were also culturally and symbolically meaningful.
Wooden Furniture Carvings
Heavy wood with coarsely carved designs was the norm for Viking furniture. Their chairs, chests, even the beams of their homes featured motifs like:
- Dragons and Serpents–symbolizing protection and power.
- Trees and Leaves: It’s easy to see where this is going.
- Artistry in Motion — Geometric Patterns: Elevating Functional to Art
Symbolic Patterns
Knotwork and interlaced patterns were used in designs by the Vikings. They were often representative of Norse sight and eternity, interconnectedness.
Runes as Decoration
Furniture or walls were often carved with runes, the Viking alphabet. Words of Power: The Power of the Words Magical inscriptions acted as good luck charms or protective symbols complemented by practical and spiritual elements.
4 Primary Viking Home Decor Metalwork
Other aspects of Viking homes included extensive metalwork that showed off their abilities. Metal was a much-represented medium, from items that served a function to items that had none.
Ornamental Hinges and Candelabra
Even utilitarian items, such as hinges and candle holders, were most beautifully made. It was little touches like these that added a sense of elegance to Viking homes.
Chandeliers and Candelabras
Lighting fixtures were commonly wrought iron or bronze. Chandeliers and candelabras were designed to hold multiple candles, giving both light and a sense of grandeur.
Jewelry Boxes and Tools
The Vikings used metal to create intricate jewelry boxes and tools as well. They were often engraved with intricate patterns, demonstrating their skill.
Paintings and Wall Art
When it comes to decoration, Viking homes were largely filled with textiles and carvings but also included paintings and decorative wall art.
Depictions of Norse Mythology
Scenes from Norse mythology were often painted on walls or furniture of Vikings. The colorful paintings animated their stories and beliefs.
Use of Bright Colors
The Vikings were not afraid of color. TintsPopulation used colors such as red, yellow, and blue to bring liveliness to their home. Instead, they used colors made from natural pigments, which ensured that their paintings would blend in nicely with their earthy environments.
Modern Interpretations
Today there are variations of the wall decoration inspired by the Vikings. Similarly, many Nordic symbols and or mythology make for great silver pieces, and a great way to get your Viking decor in your home.
Norse Symbols in Home Decor
Viking decorations often featured items embodied symbolism that held spiritual significance. More than mere decoration, these symbols were imbued with cultural and religious significance.
Popular Symbols
Here are some Norse symbols that are commonly used in decor:
| Symbol | Meaning |
| Thor’s Hammer | Protection and strength. |
| Valknut | The cycle of life and death. |
| Yggdrasil | The World Tree, representing the cosmos. |
| Runes | Magical inscriptions for luck, protection, or wisdom. |
Using Symbols in Decor
They were carved in furniture, woven in textiles or painted on walls. They infused everyday objects with meaning and made them personal and cultural.
Lighting in Viking Homes
Viking home decor also emphasised lighting, and an inviting space.
Candles and Lanterns
The Vikings lit their homes with candles and lanterns. They were frequently set in ornamental holders of metal or wood.
Wrought Iron Fixtures
Lighting, such as chandeliers or wall sconces, was often wrought iron. However, few domestic pieces were more functional than they were decorative, lending well to the rustic look of Viking homes.
Creating Ambiance
Only candles and lanterns provided warm, flickering light with an ambiance that mirrored the simple warmth of Viking homes.
Animal Motifs in Viking Decor
Animals commanded great respect among the Vikings, and animal figures were often present in decor for the home.
Symbolism of Animals
Vikings cared about animals, especially because they had cultural and spiritual meanings. Some popular motifs included:
- Wolves — represent loyalty and protection.
- Ravens: Symbols of wisdom and guidance.
- Snakes: Symbolize protection and power.
Incorporating Animal Motifs
Animals appeared in carvings, textiles and even metalwork. For instance, a chair may have carvings of wolves, or a tapestry may show a raven sailing through the air.
Modern Spaces with Viking Home Decor
You don’t need to live in a longhouse to adopt Viking decor! Here are tips for integrating traditional Viking aesthetics into a modern design.
Reclaimed Wood Furniture
Add furniture from reclaimed wood to evoke the rustic feel of a Viking home. Combine with hightech modern pieces for a more balanced look.
The 2023 Norse Patterns on Cushions or Rugs
Table decorations should be kept subtle, with cushions or rugs adorned with Norse patterns. Details like these can turn the tide.
Earthy Colour Tones & Natural Materials
Nail an earthy color palette and use natural materials — wood, leather, wool — for a warm, inviting space.
DIY Ideas
For the creative types out there, consider crafting your own Viking-themed decorations! For example:
- Norr0na: Wood Coasters Carve Norse Symbols
- Weave a tapestry of a scene from Norse mythology.
- Viking-inspired straight from the old Norse: Paint a piece of furniture with Viking-style patterns.
Conclusion
Viking home decor never goes out of style as it brings together simplicity, functionality and artistry. Viking architecture is a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the Viking people, with homes designed to withstand the harsh Nordic climate.
So whether you are a history lover or just seeking some different design ideas, there are so many ways to add a Viking decor vibe to your modern home. So why not delve into this gorgeous style and find inspiration to bring a touch of Viking work and culture to your home?
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